Cats deserve sunshine, fresh air, and safety all at once. This hub brings together everything you need to create secure outdoor spaces for your feline friends whether you live in an apartment, a suburban home, or out in the country.
Each section below links to a dedicated resource hub packed with tutorials, product comparisons, and design ideas to help you build the perfect outdoor retreat for you and your cat’s specific needs.
Quick Links
Start Here: Your Guide to Safe Outdoor Adventures for Cats
If you’re here, it probably means you want your cat to enjoy the outdoors but still stay safe, and I love that you care so much about your cat to do this!
I know how stressful it can feel when you want to give your cat freedom but worry about safety risks like traffic, predators, or falls.
That’s exactly why this site exists: to help you create outdoor spaces where your cat can breathe fresh air, watch the birds, and stay protected. No matter your home setup, you’ll find step-by-step guides and ideas here that make it possible.
Where Should I Start?
If you’re wondering where to start, begin by choosing the option that matches your home below and I’ll take you straight to the guides that fit your situation.
Popular Beginner Guides
New to catios? Start with these simple, practical reads. They’ll answer your biggest questions and help you move forward with confidence.
Outdoor Cat Enclosure for Winter
Keep your cat cozy in cold weather with simple wind blocks, safe heat, and warm bedding.
Protecting Your Cat From Predators
Hawks, coyotes, and cars are real risks. See how enclosed space keeps your cat safe while still giving them sunshine and fresh air.
Roofing Materials for Outdoor Cat Enclosures
Clear vs. solid vs. hybrid roofs, compare comfort, shade, and durability so your cat stays happy in every season.
Gentle reminder: You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one small improvement like a wind panel, a perch, or a tunnel and build from there. I’m cheering you on. – Marlinda
Small Spaces & Apartments
If you live in an apartment or have limited space, you might feel torn about keeping your cat safe while still giving them a little sunshine. You’re not alone.
Here, you’ll find balcony and window catio ideas made especially for small homes. We try to include setups that are renter-friendly, easy to remove, and designed to keep your cat happy, even on the smallest balcony.
But if you do rent, it is your responsibility to get the proper permissions before you try anything we recommend.
-
Best Outdoor Cat Enclosure for Small Yards
Having cats is a joy but sometimes our lifestyles don’t always fit perfectly into their needs and thats ok. If you have a small yard, a patio, or even just a balcony, you might feel… Read more…
Yards & Suburban Homes
If you have a backyard, you already have the perfect canvas for your cat’s outdoor paradise.
This section walks you through creating safe, beautiful enclosures that blend right into your yard or patio.
You’ll learn how to choose materials, plan your layout, and anchor everything securely so your cat can explore freely while you relax knowing they’re safe.
Rural Predator Protection
When you live in the country, you enjoy the fresh air and extra sunshine but it comes with a few extra risks, especially for your cats.
Hawks, coyotes, and other wildlife frequent rural areas where nature is still available for them too. The good news is that you can still let your cat enjoy the outdoors safely.
Here, you’ll learn how to design predator-proof outdoor cat enclosures using strong mesh, roofed structures, and smart positioning that will keep your cats secure while they soak up the country sunshine.
-
Protecting Your Cat From Predators: Why Enclosures Are Essential
If you’re anything like me, you want your cat to enjoy a little sunshine and fresh air without the worry that something could happen to them. Living in the country, I’ve seen firsthand how many… Read more…
Enrichment & Behavior
A catio isn’t just a structure, it’s a place where your cat gets to be a cat.
This section is all about giving them the freedom to climb, stretch, play, and watch the world safely.
You’ll find ideas for tunnels, ramps, toys, and multi-cat layouts that help your cats stay active, happy, and calm, especially if they tend to get bored or stressed indoors.
-
Benefits Of Outdoor Enclosures For Cat Health
If you’ve ever watched your cat gaze longingly out the window, you already understand their natural desire for sunshine, fresh air, and a little adventure. The Benefits of Outdoor Enclosures for Cat Health go far… Read more…
Build & Maintenance
You don’t have to be a builder to make a great catio.
I’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right frame to fixing a loose panel or keeping the roof secure through bad weather.
These guides make each step easy to follow, so your catio stays sturdy, safe, and beautiful for years to come.
-
Benefits Of Outdoor Enclosures For Cat Health
If you’ve ever watched your cat gaze longingly out the window, you already understand their natural desire for sunshine, fresh air, and a little adventure. The Benefits of Outdoor Enclosures for Cat Health go far… Read more…
Safety & Regulations
Whether you rent, live under an HOA, or just want to be extra cautious, this section is for you.
Here, you’ll find clear answers about catio safety, weatherproofing, and compliance.
I’ll help you understand what’s allowed, what’s safe, and what small changes make a big difference in keeping your cat comfortable and your neighbors happy.
-
Outdoor Cat Enclosure for Winter: How To Keep Your Cat Safe, Warm, and Happy Outdoors
When the air turns cold and frost starts forming on the windows, most of us grab a blanket to stay cozy indoors. But what about our cats? They cuddle up with us more willingly indoors… Read more…
Buyer’s Guides
Not sure which enclosure, roof, or add-on to choose? These guides compare trusted options and help you pick what fits your space and budget.
DIY Plans
Love to build things yourself? You’ll find easy, step-by-step projects here that use affordable, safe materials. Whether you’re creating a full catio or upgrading one you bought, these plans keep things simple and fun.
- Coming Soon